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Possible causes for this condition (slow rotation - hard to turn handle) are as follows:

Modified on: Tue, 9 Dec, 2014 at 11:06 PM

Torque tube is getting tighter against the torque tube shaft (the pointed shaft that comes up from the center of the ball winder). Early production units can run into this problem which is easy (for NKK) to correct. The hole in the torque tube bushing (black material) has expanded and as the user cranks the handle this material expands further and starts to impede the free rotation of the torque tube around the shaft.

To correct the problem we would ream the black bushing material in the torque tube out to a dimension of .380". Since the average handyman would not possess a .380" reamer, it is not practical for the user to do this themselves. However, the user can send us the torque tube and we can ream it out and return it to them.

In a "pinch", the user can use a 3/8" diameter drill bit or reamer to try to enlarge the opening in the black bushing. They would carefuilly hold the torque tube in a gloved hand (preferably a leather glove) while passing the 3/8" bit thru the torque tube opposite the gear. In other words, the user would go in and out with the bit spinning while trying to exert pressure from the rotating drill but against the inside of the bushing. Since we are only talking about removing .005" of material this method can work to provide more space around the black bushing. A good way to test whether or not it worked is to drop the torque tueb back on the torque tube shaft upsiode down (black bushing first). Once it clears the area where the set scrtew may have marred the shaft the torque tube should drop straight down without any interference. If it does this, then remove the torque tube and re-insert it onto the shaft in its normal manner. But while you are there, put some 3 in 1 oil on the shaft and run the torque tuve uip and down on the shaft repeatedly to ensure that there is oil on the inside of the black bushing as well as the white gear. When attaching the collar, be sure to leave a little space between the collar and the white spacer (or torque tube if you have lost the spacer). The collar must not impede the free rotation of the torque tube!

A picture of the torque tube is attached.

Please contact us if you have questions about a suspected torque tube problem.